Johnny Bench comes to Tullahoma Oct. 28
Staff Report
Baseball Hall of Fame catcher and former member of the Big Red Machine, Johnny Bench, will be in Tullahoma Saturday evening, Oct. 28, according to Lane Curlee, a member of the Tullahoma Sports Council. The Council is sponsoring the visit, which is a fundraiser for the Tullahoma High School baseball and softball teams. The event will be held at Tullahoma High School from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are only $100 and can be purchased by calling Tullahoma Sports Council President Jim Bratcher at 931-247-5734. The ticket includes a barbecue supper catered by Whiskey Trail and the opportunity to see, hear and meet the greatest catcher in Major League Baseball history (according to ESPN).
Bench will be available for a photo with each attendee. In addition to the appearance by Bench, there will be a silent auction with approximately 30 items signed by Bench available for purchase, in addition to other silent auction items.
“Bench is a dynamic speaker and is sure to motivate and inspire all who attend,” said Curlee.
Put in box
The life and times of Johnny Bench
Played his entire career, 1967-83 with the Cincinnati Reds, primarily as a catcher.
He was the leader of the Reds team known as the Big Red Machine in the 70s.
His teams won six division titles, four National League pennants, and two World Series championships.
14 time All-Star and two-time National League MVP
Led the league twice in homeruns and three times in RBIs
At the time of his retirement in 1983, he held the Major League record for most home runs by a catcher.
His 389 home runs and 1,376 RBIs are the most in Cincinnati Reds history
Ten time Gold Glove winner
Caught 100 or more games for 13 consecutive seasons
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 in his first year of eligibility.
ESPN has named Bench the “greatest catcher” in Major League baseball history.
Holds the Major League record for grand slams by a catcher (ten).
Earned the Lou Gehrig award and Babe Ruth award.
There is a photo of Bench holding seven baseballs in his right hand.
His number 5 uniform was retired by the Reds.
Bench was ranked #16 of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players of all time by Sporting News
He has authored two books: “Catch Every Ball” and “Catch You Later”.
Broadcast games on TV and radio
Statue of Bench is at the Great American Park in Cincinnati.
